3 Ways to Convert GPT to MBR in Windows Server without Data Loss (UTF-8)

Updated By

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

Three Ways to Convert GPT to MBR in Windows Server with UTF-8 Encoding

GPT (GUID Partition Table) and MBR (Master Boot Record) disks are functionally similar but have different specifications. GPT disks utilize the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), allowing for more than four partitions on a single disk. In contrast, MBR disks use the standard BIOS partition table, restricting the number of partitions on a disk to four.

Though many users prefer GPT due to its unique features, there are times when you need to convert GPT disk to MBR disk. For instance, some Windows server operating systems like Windows 2003 32-bit, Windows 2000, Windows NT4, Windows 95/98/ME, and Windows XP 32-bit are not compatible with GPT disk partitions. To make the GPT disk recognizable, you need to convert it to MBR.

There are three ways that a Windows Server user can convert a disk from GPT to MBR:

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Method 1: Convert GPT to MBR using a Disk Converter Tool in Windows Server In a Windows Server system, you can use the Disk Converter tool to change a GPT partition table to an MBR partition table. Follow these steps: 1. First, ensure that you have backed up all essential data, as the conversion process might result in data loss. 2. Open Command Prompt (run as an administrator): - Press `Win + X` and then choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin). 3. Type the following command and press Enter to list all disks: ``` diskpart ``` 4. The Diskpart command-line tool will open. Type the following command and press Enter: ``` list disk ``` 5. Locate the disk number you want to convert (usually the one with a lower number). Replace `X` with the disk number and press Enter: ``` select disk X ``` 6. Confirm that the conversion won't harm your data by typing the following command and pressing Enter: ``` clean ``` 7. Create a new MBR partition style by entering the following command and pressing Enter: ``` convert mbr ``` 8. Once the conversion is complete, exit the Diskpart tool by typing: ``` exit ``` Now, your disk should be in MBR format. Note that this method may not be suitable for disks with an operating system or dynamic disks. Therefore, exercise caution before proceeding, and consider using specialized tools or professional assistance if needed in these cases.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Enterprise is an efficient and reliable tool that can easily convert a disk from GPT to MBR without losing any data. It is a comprehensive disk partition software that can convert GPT to MBR, MBR to GPT, basic disk to dynamic disk, FAT32 to NTFS, as well as create, resize/move, adjust, merge, and migrate partitions, among other functions.

In a way, Partition Master surpasses Disk Management and the diskpart command prompt in converting GPT to MBR. It safely stores all data on the disk while converting GPT to MBR and ensures that all existing partitions are retained during the conversion process.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant on your computer, then go to the "Disk Conversion" section.

Step 2: Select "Convert GPT to MBR" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3: Select the GPT disk that you want to convert to MBR, and click "Convert" to start the conversion.

This tool is aimed at providing the best disk partitioning for Windows Server and enabling all levels of Windows administrators to manage the hard disks on their Windows Server computers. Therefore, Partition Master Enterprise Edition should be your go-to tool for converting GPT to MBR.

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Method 2: Convert GPT to MBR Using Disk Management

Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to access and perform various disk partition tasks. To convert from GPT to MBR using Disk Management, you'll need to delete all volumes on the disk. Before you begin the conversion, back up any important data to another disk or external drive and close any programs that might be accessing the disk.

Here are the steps to convert GPT to MBR using Disk Management in American English: 1. **Start your computer**: First, make sure your PC is turned on and you have administrator privileges. 2. **Access Disk Management**: Press the `Win + X` keys together, then choose "Disk Management". You can also get there through Control Panel or by right-clicking "My Computer" (or "This PC") and selecting "Manage", then clicking "Disk Management" under the "Storage" category. 3. **Check the disk type**: In the Disk Management window, locate the hard drive you want to convert. Look at the "Volume" information; if it says "GUID Partition Table" (GPT), the disk is currently formatted as GPT. 4. **Backup your data**: Before making any changes, strongly recommended that you back up important data. Since the conversion will erase everything, ensure all crucial files are saved. 5. **Delete all partitions**: Right-click each GPT partition and select "Delete Volume". This will remove all data, so double-check that you've backed up. 6. **Convert the disk**: Right-click the now-unallocated space and choose "Convert to MBR Disk". The system will warn you about data loss; confirm your backup and proceed. 7. **Repartition and format**: Now, you need to recreate partitions. Right-click the unallocated space, select "New Simple Volume", and follow the wizard to complete the process. Choose an appropriate file system (like NTFS) and assign a drive letter. 8. **Install the operating system**: If converting for a new OS installation, insert the install media and follow the installer's instructions. 9. **Restore your data**: Lastly, restore your data from the backup to the new MBR partitions. Note that this method might not work in all scenarios, especially with large disks or multiple operating systems. Always seek professional advice before attempting such operations.

2. Type "Control Panel" in the Start menu, then click on "System and Security", followed by "Administrative Tools", and finally click on "Computer Management" to open a new window. 3. Under "Storage," select "Disk Management".

Note: Converting a disk from GPT to MBR in Disk Management deletes all the disk volumes.

• Right-click on the drive and select "Delete Volume". Do this for all partitions.

Note: In Disk Management, converting a disk from GPT to MBR requires that all disk volumes be deleted. Make sure that all partitions are deleted.

4. Right-click the target disk and choose “Convert to MBR disk”.

After the conversion, you will have an MBR disk and can create partitions as you wish.

Method 3: Convert GPT to MBR Using CMD

The Command Prompt in Windows can only convert an empty GPT disk to MBR. During the conversion, you must delete all existing partitions on the GPT disk, which will result in data loss. Therefore, to prevent data loss when converting from GPT to MBR using CMD, first back up important data to another disk or a secure location. Now, follow these steps to initiate the conversion process:

1. Press "Windows + R" simultaneously, then type cmd in the Run dialog box. 2. Type diskpart.exe and press Enter. 3. Input list disk and hit Enter. Note the disk number representing the GPT disk. 4. Type select disk n (replace 'n' with the disk number, for example, if the GPT disk is numbered 1, type select disk 1) and press Enter. 5. Input clean and press Enter. This will erase all data and partitions on the selected disk. 6. Finally, type convert mbr and press Enter to convert the disk to MBR format.

Finally, type exit to close the command prompt.

Additional Tip: Partition the Disk After Converting from GPT to MBR Using Disk Management or CMD

After converting a GPT disk to MBR, you'll need to repartition the hard drive to allocate free space and assign disks to your file system. You can accomplish this task using Disk Management or CMD.

Method 1: Create a New Volume with Disk Management

You can do this by opening “Disk Management,” right-clicking on the unallocated space, and selecting “New Simple Volume.”

Create New Simple Volume

The New Simple Volume Wizard will guide you through the necessary configuration, such as setting the partition size, assigning a drive letter, and formatting it with a file system.

#2. Resize partitions with CMD

You can repartition the disk after the conversion using Windows CMD with the following steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run box. Type cmd, then press Enter. 2. Type diskpart, then press Enter. When the User Account Control window pops up, click Yes. 3. Now type each of the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one.

Create New Simple Volume with cmd

Type exit to close the Command Prompt window, confirming that the disk has been repartitioned successfully.

#3. Use Advanced Server Partition Management Software - MiniTool Partition Wizard

However, to save you from the complexity of using Disk Management or CMD to repartition and convert the disk, I recommend using the Enterprise Edition of Partition Master Tool. Its Disk Layout Adjustment feature automatically detects the new drive and supports one-click partitioning of up to four drives on a new MBR disk.

To avoid the complexity of using Disk Management or CMD to repartition and convert the disk, I recommend you use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Its "Adjust Disk Layout" feature can automatically detect the new drive and support creating up to four partitions on the new MBR drive with one click.

Step 1: Launch Partition Master and enter “Partition Management” interface. In the popped up “New Disk Wizard” window, click “Partition this disk”.

Step 2. Specify the number of partitions you wish to create and select the partition style for your disk – MBR or GPT.

Alternatively, you can accept the default settings provided by the Partition Wizard tool. When you're done, click Continue.

Step 3: Click “Perform 1 task” and “Apply” to partition the new HDD/SSD or external drive.

Conclusions

The best tool to convert GPT to MBR without losing data is the Partition Master Enterprise Edition. However, if you use Disk Management or CMD, you'll need to back up all essential files beforehand, as this process will require a full wipe of all data on the disk – a complicated and time-consuming task. For convenience, you can download and install a disk conversion software that allows you to do this with just a few clicks.

How to Convert GPT to MBR Without Data Loss in Windows Server

1. How to convert GPT to MBR without losing data?

To convert GPT to MBR without losing data, you should back up important data before the conversion.

Check out Back Up Your Files Before Formatting Your Computer.

2. Does converting GPT to MBR delete data?

If your disk is over 2 TB, you will lose data. To avoid this, move any extra data to an external hard drive or USB flash drive.

How to convert GPT to MBR without reinstalling Windows?

Create a bootable USB or CD on a functioning computer with the UTF-8 encoding. Connect the bootable drive to the computer and change the boot priority. Boot into the Partition Master tool to convert GPT to MBR.